🌮 What happened this week in Salem? 9/19

Author

Jacob Espinoza
September 19, 2024

Thank you to the 1,436 new subscribers we added since last week!

This introduction has been a long time coming, but for the last two months, the amazing Ernie Samora has been writing these newsletters.

Based on the feedback I’ve been getting from all of you, he’s been CRUSHING it. I love to see it.

Ernie moved to Salem from Denver to attend Willamette University. While at Willamette he wrote for The Collegian and worked as a legislative intern for the Oregon State Legislature.

How did I know he was the right guy for the job? In addition to experience with local govement and writing for his college newspaper, and could tell Ernie was someone with a great work ethic and a passion for helping people.

That is exactly the kind of person we want on this team.

Grateful to have you as part of this team Ernie. Excited for all the great things you bring.

Now, let’s see What’s Happening in Salem.

Weather

  • ☁️Thu: Mostly sunny with a high of 74

  • 🌥️Fri: Partly cloudy with a high of 71

  • ⛅Sat: Partly cloudy with a high of 76

  • ⛅Sun: Partly cloudy with a high of 78

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Fresh Aire of the Willamette Valley is a local, family-owned company offering top-notch scent solutions for Salem area businesses. We blend effective products with our commitment to exceptional customer service, creating inviting environments for your business.

The Oregon Department of Energy announced $1.2 million in grants to local governments for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These grants are part of the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program aimed at reducing fossil fuel emissions, improving energy efficiency, and advancing equity in disadvantaged communities across Oregon. (Oregon Department of Energy)

The Marion Berries, Salem's new summer collegiate baseball team, will make its debut at Willamette University’s baseball field in June 2025. The team will compete in the West Coast League, which includes teams from Oregon, Washington, and Canada. The Marion Berries’ name was chosen for its connection to Marion County and its marketing potential, beating out other options like the Salemanders and Lumberjacks. Renovations to John Lewis Field, funded partly by $3 million in state money, will begin in late November and include new turf, lighting, and social spaces. While the team’s field will encroach slightly into Bush’s Pasture Park, the project has support from local schools and nonprofits, although some neighbors have expressed concerns about noise and parking. The team encourages community input on everything from mascots to concessions and plans to feature marionberry-themed food and drinks at games. (Salem Reporter)

Three people were arrested Monday after a search warrant at a Salem apartment uncovered stolen mail belonging to over 200 individuals. The search, part of a larger investigation into local mail theft, was conducted at an apartment on Orchard Heights Road NW. Authorities found evidence related to mail theft and forgery-related crimes. One individual was charged with identity theft, forgery, and other crimes, while the other two were arrested on outstanding warrants. Salem police are collaborating with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to return the stolen mail to its rightful owners. (KOIN6)

Salem resident welcomes migrating swifts roosting in his chimney

Each fall, Vaux's Swifts migrate south toward Central and South America, often roosting in chimneys after sunset to stay warm. A homeowner near McRae Park in northeast Salem has welcomed these birds to his chimney for over 37 years. The birds returned Monday night, continuing their annual tradition of roosting in his chimney. The homeowner, Bruce, doesn't clean or use his chimney to ensure the swifts have a safe place to return. Occasionally, a bird falls into the home and is carefully rescued. Bruce described his first time with the birds roosting in his chimney as "pretty cool." (Statesman Journal)

Upcoming Events

presented by

Thursday, September 19 

💃Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté | Infinity Room | 8:00PM | 16+

Followed by Drag Karaoke | 10:00PM | 21+ | FREE

Friday, September 20 

🧑‍🎓Greeters Hosted by Community Business & Education Leaders | The REC, 3500 River Rd N, Keizer, OR | 8:30AM - 10:00AM 

✨Diary of an Ex Ho with Cheri Hardman | Infinity Room | 7:00PM | 18+ 

Saturday, September 21

🌈Salem Pride in the Park | Riverfront Park | 11:00AM - 6:00PM

🐕ZoomieWorld’s Dog Fair | 4755 Lancaster Drive NE | 10:00AM - 5:00PM

🐇🍃Smokus Pocus: A 420 Magic Show! | Salem's Historic Grand Theatre | 8:00PM | 21+

🤼Little Mania Micro Wrestling Allstars | Oregon State Fair Jackson Long Building | 7:00PM

Monday, September 23

🙋‍♀️An Evening with Fran Lebowitz | Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre | 7:00PM - 9:30PM

Tuesday, September 24

🧶Crochet & Slay for Teens | Salem Public Library | 4:00PM - 5:30PM 

🤖Tinker Tech Tuesday for Kids | Salem Public Library | 4:30PM - 5:45PM 

Wednesday, September 25

📚Preschool Storytime | Salem Public Library | 10:15AM - 10:40AM 

📖Infant/Toddler Storytime | Salem Public Library | 11:00AM - 11:20AM 

🎥Documentary Pre-Release Screening: Banned Together | Salem Public Library | 4:00PM - 5:30PM | FREE

🎭All’s Well That Ends Well presented by Struts & Frets Theatre Co. | Eola Hills Wine Cellar | 7:00PM - 10:00PM

Thursday, September 26

☕Emerging Leaders Coffee Social | UGM Men's Mission, 777 Commercial St NE | 8:30AM - 10:00AM 

🤑GROW 2024: A Financial Education Event for Women | Broadway Commons, 1300 Broadway St NE | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

🎭All’s Well That Ends Well presented by Struts & Frets Theatre Co. | Eola Hills Wine Cellar | 7:00PM - 10:00PM

 Government

Thursday, September 19 

Monday, September 23

Tuesday, September 24

Live Music and Dance

Friday, September 20 

💃🕺Cross-Cultural Dance Celebration | Salem Public Library | 6:30PM - 7:30PM | FREE

🎷Rebirth Brass Band | Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre | 8:00PM

🎵An Evening with Steven Curtis Chapman | The Historic Elsinore Theatre | 7:00PM

🎹Willamette Piano Quartet | Willamette University Hudson Hall | 7:30PM

Saturday, September 21

👒Salem Madrigal Singers | Gaiety Hollow, 545 Mission St. SE | 10:00AM - 1:00PM | FREE

🎶Harvest Reggae Festival | The Yard Food Park | 3:00PM - 10:00PM | FREE 

🎼The Cult | The Historic Elsinore Theatre | 7:30PM

Sunday, September 22

🪩Let's Dance presented by Center50+ | Riverfront Park | 6:00PM - 9:00PM

🌩️Celtic Thunder: Odyssey | The Historic Elsinore Theatre | 7:30PM

Tuesday, September 24

🛫Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Request Tour | The Historic Elsinore Theatre | 7:30PM

Wednesday, September 25

🎵Dreyson Tucker | The Yard Food Park | 6:00PM - 8:00PM 

Thursday, September 26

🎸FOLKLORE: An Epic Taylor Swift Singalong | Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre | 7:30PM

Sports

presented by

Thursday, September 19 

⚽Varsity Girls Soccer: Salem Academy vs. Blanchet @ Salem Academy - Soccer Field | 4:00PM

⚽Varsity Girls Soccer: Sprague vs. Newberg @ Sprague High School | 4:00PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: Cascade vs. Molalla @ Cascade High School, Turner, Oregon | 6:00PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: Salem Academy vs. Blanchet @ Salem Academy - Soccer Field | 6:00PM

🏐Varsity Volleyball: West Salem vs. Sprague @ West Salem High School | 6:30PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: North Salem vs. North Eugene @ North Salem High School | 7:00PM

⚽Varsity Girls Soccer: McNary vs. Barlow @ McNary High School | 7:00PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: McKay vs. Jesuit @ McKay High School | 7:00PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: South Salem vs. Corvallis @ South Salem High School | 7:30PM

⚽Varsity Girls Soccer: West Salem vs. Tigard @ West Salem High School | 7:30PM

Friday, September 20 

🏈Varsity Football: Cascade vs. Tillamook @ Cascade High School, Turner, Oregon | 7:00PM

🏈Varsity Football: North Salem vs. Grants Pass @ North Salem High School | 7:00PM

🏈Varsity Football: South Salem vs. South Medford @ South Salem High School | 7:00PM

🏈Varsity Football: West Salem vs. McMinnville @ West Salem High School | 7:00PM

🏈Varsity Football: McNary vs. Sprague @ McNary High School | 7:00PM

🐂2024 NPRA Rodeo Finals | Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center | 7:00PM

Saturday, September 21

🚲Super Casual Saturday Salem Bike Ride | meet @ bottom of Minto-Brown soap box derby | 11:30AM 

🤠2024 NPRA Rodeo Finals | Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center | 1:00PM & 7:00PM

Tuesday, September 24

🏐Varsity Volleyball: West Salem vs. North Salem @ West Salem High School | 6:30PM

🏐Varsity Volleyball: McKay vs. West Albany @ McKay High School (Main Gym) | 6:30PM

🏐Varsity Volleyball: McNary vs. Sprague @ McNary High School | 6:30PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: South Salem vs. Cleveland @ South Salem High School | 7:00PM

⚽Varsity Girls Soccer: West Salem vs. Forest Grove @ West Salem High School | 7:00PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: McKay vs. Lincoln @ McKay High School | 7:00PM

⚽Varsity Boys Soccer: McNary vs. Sunset @ McNary High School | 7:00PM

⚽Varsity Girls Soccer: South Salem vs. West Albany @ SSHS Bennett Field | 7:15PM

Podcast

I’m really excited to be partnered with Brandon Sommers of Advantage Heating and Air Conditioning to bring our podcast to life.

Spend 20 minutes every Friday with us and get caught up on everything happening in Salem.

Advantage Heating and Air Conditioning is changing the contracting world with empathy, love, and kindness while providing safety, comfort, and peace of mind to the Willamette Valley since 1992.

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